Asus M3A User Manual

MotherboardM3A

xConventions used in this guideTo make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Ty

ASUS M3AChapter summary55.1 Installing an operating system ... 5-15.2 Support CD information ...

ASUS M3A 5-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Doubl

5-2 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install

ASUS M3A 5-35.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installati

5-4 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu contains items to create the AMD 770 SATA/RAID driver disk. Make ATI RAID Drive

ASUS M3A 5-55.2.5 Manual menuThe Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.Most

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard

ASUS M3A 5-7Technical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support.Filelist

5-8 Chapter 5: Software support5.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you throu

ASUS M3A 5-99. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo.10. After ashing the BIOS, rest

xiM3A specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ X2 / Sempron™ processor AM

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and au

ASUS M3A 5-11• Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature.• The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology

5-12 Chapter 5: Software supportLaunching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ softwareThe motherboard support CD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables

ASUS M3A 5-135.3.3 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® ALC883 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience o

5-14 Chapter 5: Software supportInformationClick the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, au

ASUS M3A 5-15MixerThe Mixer option allows you to congure audio output (playback) volume and audio input (record) volume.To set the mixer options: 1.

5-16 Chapter 5: Software supportMicrophoneThe Microphone option allows you congure your input/output settings and to check if your audio devices are

ASUS M3A 5-175.3.4 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem

5-18 Chapter 5: Software supportButton FunctionOpens the Conguration windowOpens the Report windowOpens the Desktop Management Interface windowOpens

ASUS M3A 5-19Changing the monitor panels positionTo change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Schem

xiiOther features ASUS MyLogo2™ASUS exclusive overclocking featuresIntelligent overclocking tools: - AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tun

5-20 Chapter 5: Software supportMonitoring sensor alertThe monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value

ASUS M3A 5-21PCI browserClick to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices i

5-22 Chapter 5: Software supportMemory usageThe Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window re

ASUS M3A 5-235.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 2ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.6 ASUS AI NapThis feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. En

ASUS M3A 5-255.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassi

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support5.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD® SB600 Southbridge RAID controller that allows you to congu

ASUS M3A 5-275.4.2 AMD® RAID congurationsThe AMD® RAID controller supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1congurations. Setting the RAID item in BIOS

5-28 Chapter 5: Software supportThe Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:View Drive Assignments

ASUS M3A 5-29Creating a RAID 0 congurationTo create a RAID 0 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press &

1Product introductionThis chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

5-30 Chapter 5: Software supportCreating a RAID 1 congurationTo create a RAID 1 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” fu

ASUS M3A 5-31Creating a RAID 0+1 congurationTo create a RAID 0+1 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Pre

5-32 Chapter 5: Software supportDeleting a RAID congurationTo create a RAID set:1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” funct

ASUS M3A 5-335.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP/Vista operating system on a har

5-34 Chapter 5: Software support

ASUS M3AChapter summary11.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package contents

ASUS M3A 1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsGreen ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the Europe

ASUS M3A 1-3Native DDR2 1066 support This motherboard is the rst AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more

ASUS M3A 1-5ASUS EZ DIYASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite

iiE3422First Edition V1 October 2007Copyright © 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and soft

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking featuresPrecision Tweaker This feature allows you to ne tun

2Hardware informationThis chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes descript

ASUS M3AChapter summary22.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overview ...

ASUS M3A2-1Onboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2 Motherboard overviewBefore you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that

ASUS M3A2-32.2.3 Motherboard layoutPANELM3A®AAFPCHASSIS21.8cm (8.6in)30.5cm (12.0in)CPU_FANDDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)FLOPPYSuperI/OCDCLRTCA

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2.4 Layout contentsSlots Page1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-112. PCI slots2-183. PCI Express x1 slots2-184. PCI Express

ASUS M3A2-5Internal connectors Page1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-232. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)2-243. AMD® SB600 Southb

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.1 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.Make sure that the socket le

ASUS M3A2-73. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.4. C

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices ...

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /

ASUS M3A 2-92. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retent

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard

ASUS M3A 2-112.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.The

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationImportant notice on installing Windows® XP 32-bit versionIf you install Windows® XP 32-bit version Operating Syste

ASUS M3A 2-13M3A Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capabilitySize Vendor Chip No. CLChip BrandSS/DSPart No.DIMM socket support (Op

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3A Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability• A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot

ASUS M3A 2-152.4.3 Installing a DIMMUnplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause se

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe th

ASUS M3A 2-172.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.IRQ Priority Standard

ivContents2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ... 2-182.6 Jumper ...

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply w

ASUS M3A 2-192.6 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW56)Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mod

ASUS M3A 2-212.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.2. Serial connector. This 9-pin CO

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devi

ASUS M3A 2-232.7.2 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) sign

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There

ASUS M3A 2-25Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to SATA device. Or you may connect the right-angle side of SATA cable to the onboard SA

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable t

ASUS M3A 2-275. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 m

vContents4.3.7 System Information ... 4-164.4 Advanced menu ...

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information6. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection senso

ASUS M3A2-29• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or late

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound s

ASUS M3A2-31• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. Th

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information12. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cab

3Powering upThis chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.

ASUS M3AChapter summary33.1 Starting up for the rst time ... 3-13.2 Turning off the computer .

ASUS M3A3-13.1 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches are of

3-2Chapter 3: Powering up3.2 Turning off the computer3.2.1 Using the OS shut down functionIf you are using Windows® XP:1. Click the Start button t

4BIOS setupThis chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also

viContents5.3.3 Audio congurations ... 5-135.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ...

Chapter summary4ASUS M3A4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 4-14.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS M3A 4-14.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setupQuit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoi

ASUS M3A 4-3Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environmenta. In

ASUS M3A 4-5To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard.2. Save

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.4 AFUDOS utilityThe AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with

ASUS M3A 4-72. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.3. Boot the syste

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS l

ASUS M3A 4-94.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provi

viiNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.2.2 Menu barThe menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:Main For changing the basic system congur

ASUS M3A 4-114.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Ma

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic syste

ASUS M3A 4-134.3.4 Primary IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setupDMA Mode [Auto]Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDM

ASUS M3A 4-15Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3.7 System InformationThis menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects

ASUS M3A 4-174.4 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.Take caution when changin

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setupFSB Frequency [XXX]Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and &

ASUS M3A 4-19DRAM Voltage [Auto]Allows selection of the DRAM Voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.90V] [1.95V] [2.00V] [2.05V] [2.10V] [2.15V] [2.

viiiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating t

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup2T Mode [Auto]Allows selection of the 2T Mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]Allow

ASUS M3A 4-214.4.3 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Select Screen Se

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setupBank Interleaving [Auto]Allows you to enable or disable the bank memory interleaving. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto

ASUS M3A 4-23Peer-to-Peer among GFX/GFX2 [Disabled]Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]Use the <+> and <-&

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.4.5 OnBoard Devices Conguration Select Screen Select Item+- Change OptionF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC

ASUS M3A 4-254.4.6 PCI PnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.Take caution when changing the setting

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.4.7 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <E

ASUS M3A 4-274.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press &

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.5.4 APM Conguration Select Screen Select Item+- Change OptionF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC Exitv02.61

ASUS M3A 4-29CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboa

ixAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis gui

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setupCPU Fan / Chassis Fan / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and

ASUS M3A 4-314.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.6.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled]Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (PO

ASUS M3A 4-33Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST. Conguratio

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setupChange Supervisor PasswordSelect this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of

ASUS M3A 4-35User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access

4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.7 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter

ASUS M3A 4-374.8 Exit menuPressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the

4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

5Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.